Children and young people hub at Florence Court
- Published:
- 22 February 2024
Florence Court is a centre of excellence for the delivery of innovative education programmes. We offer a variety of interactive learning opportunities linked to Foundation Year, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 which are appropriate for the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland curriculum.
Children can learn about the ‘upstairs downstairs’ society and discover more about the Cole family who lived here for over 200 years, including the generations of staff who worked for the family. Or, enjoy the opportunity to discover more about the great outdoors with the abundance of flora, fauna and wildlife that make Florence Court their home. An educational visit to Florence Court is interactive, fun, indoors and outdoors, and most of all a memorable learning experience.
Our interactive learning programmes run from March to December and vary in duration from 2-3 hours.
Autumn/Winter Education Programme 2026
Harvest Festivities
Learn how the Florence Court servants celebrated Halloween and the end of the harvest through art activities and dance. Pupils also take part in an outdoor trail and discover the seasonal changes taking place.
- Suitable for KS1: P1 to P4
- Dates: Monday 5 to Sunday 25 October
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours
- Start time: 10.30am
Christmas Time at Florence Court
Pupils learn how the Victorians influenced our Christmas traditions and will create hand crafted seasonal decorations. They will meet the cook in the Servant's Hall as she prepares for Christmas.
- Suitable for KS2: P5 to P7
- Dates: Monday 23 November to Friday 11th December
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours
- Start time: 10.30am
Spring/Summer Programme 2027
Secrets of Spring
Combines art and science to explore springtime themes, such as seasonal change, nests and eggs and an outdoor trail.
- Suitable for KS1: P1 to P4
- Dates: March to May
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours
- Start time: 10.30am
Nature Safari
This programme allows pupils to explore the natural world and examine our impact on the planet by taking part in a mini beast hunt and exploring animal habitats.
- Suitable for KS1: P3 to P4
- Dates: April to June
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours
- Start time: 10.30am
Trusty’s Trail
Follows the trail of Trusty the hedgehog around the gardens to learn about nature and the 5 senses.
- Suitable for KS1: P1 to P2
- Dates: March to June
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours
- Start time: 10.30am
A Busy Day at Florence Court House
Pupils will dress up in period attire and learn what life was like long ago in Florence Court. They will be led around the house and through role play they will gain insight into the work of the servants in the laundry, kitchen, ironing room etc. as they prepare for the Cole family Christening In addition pupils will experience what school was like over 100 years ago before enjoying toy time.
- Suitable for KS1: P1 to P4
- Dates: March to June
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours
- Start time: 10.30am
Woodland Explorers
An exploration of the importance and value of woodlands as a habitat for wildlife. Pupils will be investigating leaf litter, tree identification, plant mapping, human impact and conservation.
- Suitable for KS2: P5 to P7
- Dates: March to June
- Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours
- Start time: 10.00am
Water Explorers
An investigation into the importance of water as a habitat and a precious resource. Pupils will spend time pond dipping and examining their finds! See how water was harnessed on the estate by exploring our working sawmill, hydraulic ram and ice house. Emphasis on eco-systems, wildlife and human impact.
- Suitable for KS2: P5 to P7
- Dates: April to June
- Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours
- Start time: 10.00am
Education Group Access Pass
The Education Group Access Pass supports the National Trust to look after the special places you will visit, like Florence Court. This annual membership is for not-for-profit groups, for-profit groups, or home educators whose members, pupils or students are in full-time education.
Education Group Access Pass members receive a discount on any National Trust led visits booked with us.
Cost of school bookings
With Educational Group Access Pass: £2.50 per child
Without Educational Group Access Pass: £4.50 per child
Accompanying adults are free
How do I book?
Make your booking enquiry at florencecourt@nationaltrust.org.uk. Please include your school name, contact details, date required and number of children you wish to attend. We’ll then be in touch to plan the visit for your group.